RFU confirm host venues for 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup

The tenth edition of women’s World Cup will kick off on 22 August 2025 and conclude with the World Cup final on 27 September 2025.

The host venues and cities have been announced with eight venues across the country:

• Brighton & Hove – Brighton & Hove Albion Stadium
• Bristol – Ashton Gate
• Exeter – Sandy Park
• London – Twickenham Stadium
• Manchester – Salford Community Stadium *subject to final confirmation
• Northampton – Franklin’s Gardens
• Sunderland – Stadium of Light
• York – York Community Stadium

For the first time ever, the elite women’s rugby tournament will be hosted across eight venues around the country with 16 teams competing to be crowned world champions.

Canada, England, France and New Zealand have already qualified for Rugby World Cup 2025 after finishing in the top four of RWC 2021, with the remaining positions to be filled via World Rugby’s new women’s international 15s tournament, WXV, and regional competitions in 2024.

"Following the record-breaking success of Rugby World Cup 2021 in New Zealand, women’s rugby has built an incredibly strong foundation and as one of the fastest growing sports in the world, RWC 2025 is set to take the game to the next level as the biggest celebration of women’s rugby with fans and players very much at its heart," said World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont.

"We look forward to continuing to collaborate with all our partners as we strive to deliver a world-class and historic event that will leave a lasting legacy, both in England and around the world as we aim to inspire millions of new players and fans and continue to grow the game we love."

Sue Day, RFU Chief Operating Officer and Chief Finance Officer and former Red Rose, added: "Through our continued investment in the women's game, the Red Roses have already inspired a new generation of girls and boys to play rugby. Our home World Cup will further accelerate this growth and our continued partnership with World Rugby and the UK Government will support our aim to make that happen."